Great Lakes Cleanup

Over a century of intensive development has left our rivers, lakes, and harbors contaminated with heavy metals, PCBs, and other toxic pollutants. Many aquatic ecosystems are stressed and degraded—unsafe for people and unsuitable for various fish and wildlife species. We work to remediate and restore these waterbodies through research, education, and outreach that improve coastal health and ensure continued enjoyment and use of coastal resources.

Programs & Initiatives

Pollution from over a century of intensive development remains in the sediment of many Great Lakes tributaries, harming fish and wildlife and leaving water unsafe for people. These sites are being cleaned up through the Great Lakes Legacy Act by the U.S. EPA in partnership with local, state, and private organizations.

Many rivers and streams have been dammed, channelized, or diverted to suit local needs, resulting in stressed and degraded aquatic ecosystems. For the past 12 years, various agencies including Sea Grant, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and many others have worked together to develop workshops covering various topic areas ranging from dam removal to habitat restoration to stream engineering.

Research Projects

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant funds original research projects that support and complement our education and outreach activities. The link below will take you the Great Lakes Cleanup section of our funded research database, where you will find project descriptions, contact information, and final reports and publications.